Abstract:
Two popular methods of assessing lower body musculotendinous stiffness include the hopping and oscillation tests. The disparity and paucity of reliability data prompted this investigation into leg musculotendinous stiffness (Kleg) and ankle musculotendinous stiffness (Kank) measures. Kleg and Kank were assessed on three separate occasions in twenty female subjects. Kleg was determined using bilateral hopping procedures conducted at 2.2Hz and 3.2Hz frequencies. Kank was assessed by perturbation of the subject’s ankle musculotendinous unit on an instrumented calf raise apparatus at 70% of Maximum Isometric Force (MIF). Excellent reliability was produced for all Kleg measures between all days while Kank only exhibited acceptable reliability after one session of familiarisation. No relationship was evident between Kleg and Kank. It was concluded that no familiarisation session was required for Kleg at the frequencies and conditions tested whilst at least one familiarisation session was needed to ensure the reliable assessment of Kank.
